Strain Effects on Sensitization Development in 304 Stainless Steel as Measured by EPR and Stem/Eds Methods

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of uniaxial straining during isothermal heat treatment of a Type 304 stainless alloy has been examined using scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (STEM/EDS) and electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (EPR) methods. Solution-annealed, flat tensile specimens were deformed at 600°C at various strain rates up to 6%/h. EPR and STEM/EDS results show an acceleration in sensitization development with increasing deformation. STEM/EDS measurement suggest that simultaneous straining affects both the kinetics of sensitization and the chromium concentrations established at grain boundaries.